Paint vs Powder Coat: Pros and Cons

[Ron Fox]

Originally Posted by IndyNova

Me too, but it's gonna gets chips and nicks in it driving it, and u can't touch up powder

Is there any type of material or coating that could be put over the powder to cut down on the prevention of chips?

[NsaneHotrodz]

I'd go ahead and paint it. If the subframe has any imperfections in it, they will show with powder coating. Good luck!

[Ron Fox]

Originally Posted by NsaneHotrodz

I'd go ahead and paint it. If the subframe has any imperfections in it, they will show with powder coating. Good luck!

My builder advises me to use paint. So paint sounds like the way to go.

[ProdigyCustoms]

Sorry I am late to the party Ron, I just found your email looking for my opinion.

Paint is absolutely the way to go. Subframes are never perfect and powder coating amplifies the imperfections. With paint you get a chance to prime, even fill if needed, smooth and color. Also mentioned is the touch up ability of paint vs powder coat.

It is funny because everyday I get someone wanting to powder coat their rear end, subframe, to protect it because they do not think paint is good enough.

Then I ask them, "What do you think takes more abuse? You rear end under you car? Or the lower quarter panels that are having stones thrown at them by the tires?

Paint works on the lower quarters, it will work on your rear.

I think a lot of the illusion comes from people comparing the condition of their original rear / frame they removed. The original cars were rusty before they came off the truck. I remember looking at new cars on car carriers and seeing all orange surface rust. Those factory rears and frames got washed with a paint GM used to sell that said on the car you could paint your rubber floor mats with it to! good stuff, LOL!

So we paint it just like it is the outer body. Sandbalst it to bare metal, epoxy primer and urethane top coat.

[Ron Fox]

Originally Posted by ProdigyCustoms

Sorry I am late to the party Ron, I just found your email looking for my opinion.

Paint is absolutely the way to go. Subframes are never perfect and powder coating amplifies the imperfections. With paint you get a chance to prime, even fill if needed, smooth and color. Also mentioned is the touch up ability of paint vs powder coat.

It is funny because everyday I get someone wanting to powder coat their rear end, subframe, to protect it because they do not think paint is good enough.

Then I ask them, "What do you think takes more abuse? You rear end under you car? Or the lower quarter panels that are having stones thrown at them by the tires?

Paint works on the lower quarters, it will work on your rear.

I think a lot of the illusion comes from people comparing the condition of their original rear / frame they removed. The original cars were rusty before they came off the truck. I remember looking at new cars on car carriers and seeing all orange surface rust. Those factory rears and frames got washed with a paint GM used to sell that said on the car you could paint your rubber floor mats with it to! good stuff, LOL!

So we paint it just like it is the outer body. Sandbalst it to bare metal, epoxy primer and urethane top coat.

Thanks Frank for your input. I want a show/detailed car eventhough I am going to be driving it as much as I can.

Just a thought but why does DSE use powder coat on their frames?

Thanks.

[ProdigyCustoms]

Same reason I sell rears with powder coat. Because people want it.

Originally Posted by Ron Fox

Thanks Frank for your input. I want a show/detailed car eventhough I am going to be driving it as much as I can.

Just a thought but why does DSE use powder coat on their frames?

Thanks.

[carbuff]

What do you do / suggest to protect the inside of the frame rails? Kinda hard to spray paint 4' down into those long rails?

[Ron Fox]

Originally Posted by Sparky67

The subframe is painted Marina blue. Sorry, can do it in powder.
Here is a few photos of mine done in paint.

Jeff

Very nice, show quility subframe. What process did you use on you sub? Did you grind any welds down, add any welds, mud, or seam weld the front cross section?

I like the color. What type of car is it going under (my guess is a '67 Camaro) and what color is the body going to be? Show car or driver? My exterior of my '69 will be Gold (and my under body will probably be gold also) and the best color for my sub would be black but I want to look at other color options other than black. I thought maybe a dark silver or dark gray. A light gray would probably be washed out by the gold color.

Did you use flakes in your paint?

More photos would be appreciated if you have any.

Thanks.

[Ron Fox]

Originally Posted by ProdigyCustoms

Same reason I sell rears with powder coat. Because people want it.

Do most of your customers want powder over paint?

[Ron Fox]

Originally Posted by carbuff

What do you do / suggest to protect the inside of the frame rails? Kinda hard to spray paint 4' down into those long rails?

That's one of my questions also. Would some sort of extension work? Or maybe just spray an abundant amount of material and let in drain down the sides. Not sure.

Any suggestions anyone?